Loperamide

General Description: Loperamide is an affordable drug used in dogs and cats to stop diarrhea. It may also be used to treat acute colitis and malabsorption or maldigestion problems. Loperamide is available over-the-counter in many forms. Consult with your veterinarian to find the product that would suit your pet’s needs the best.

What is this drug?

A gastrointestinal motility modifier; member of the opiate class
Given by mouth
Reasons for prescribing:

Slows down movement in the intestines to stop diarrhea
May also be used to treat acute colitis and malabsorption or maldigestion problems
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?

Use with caution in cats: may cause central nervous system excitation
Use with caution in debilitated or geriatric pets
Safety is unknown in pregnant pets
Pets who have received MAOIs within the last 14 days
Do not use in pets with diarrheas involving intestinal toxins (ex. parvovirus, or liver failure, etc.)
Do not use in pets with a gastrointestinal or urinary tract obstruction
Avoid use of loperamide in collies and related breeds. They can exhibit loperamide toxicity.
Use with caution in pets with severe kidney disease, hypothyroidism, Addison’s disease, head trauma, acute abdomen or with acute respiratory disease
If your pet has had an earlier allergic reaction to loperamide or like products
Directions:

Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed. It is usually givenonce to three times a day .

Read and follow the label carefully.

Give this medication for as long as veterinarian directs. Do not skip doses or stop giving the medication without consulting your veterinarian.

Ideally, give the medication at the same time(s) daily.

What if a dose is missed?

If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.

What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?

Talk to your veterinarian about:

When will your pet need to be rechecked
What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
Risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:

If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Storage and Warnings:

Store in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.

Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets.

Possible side effects:

Drowsiness is possible
Constipation or bloating
May falsely elevate laboratory tests that check for pancreatitis (amylase and lipase levels)
May cause central nervous system excitation
If you notice any of these symptoms or anything else unusual, discontinue loperamide and contact your veterinarian
Can this drug be given with other drugs?